Punta de Este, muy cheto! It’s where everyone in South America goes to vacation when they are craving the beach. I even heard that the town was made after Miami. It definitely is very cute and picturesque, but also very expensive (even as someone who lived in San Francisco). I came here for a work summit, and it got a lot of raves from my coworkers, but I honestly… wasn’t that impressed.

I would not recommend Punta de Este as a visit for my US friends, but for those in South America craving the beach… maybe Rio would be better?

ITINERARY

  • January 2019 - 3 Days @ Lum Hostel

    • Super fun and clean hostel, well worth paying the $20 a day and saving a boat load on money.

    • My suggestion here when looking for a place to stay is know if you want to stay downtown (close to bars, restaurants) or along the beach strip (in a resort). If you choose the beach, make sure you choose on in the middle of the strip, because the further North you are, the less mobile you are.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Scuba diving in Cenotes (pronounced seh-notay). Cenotes is a natural created “pit of limestone” filled with fresh water. The Yucatan is known for Cenotes, and there are a dime a dozen. I went diving in Dos Ojos (my all time favorite— felt like I was swimming in Atlantis) and Grand Cenote. Highly recommend to do some research on which ones you want to visit for your needs… IE swimming, snorkeling, diving (if you’re Advanced Certified, The Pit is super to be muy bueno).

  • Relaxing at Beach Clubs. Beach clubs are scattered throughout Tulum and you can order beach side service at all of them. Warning, some have a minimum.. but if you commit to spending the day there it’ll easily cover your lunch and dinner budget. A few favorites of mine:

    • Ahau: No minimum, really chill vibes, and there’s live music. LOVED their octopus dish. Would have easily come back everyday if the waiter hadn’t hit on me…

    • Casa Malca: Expensive ($98 minimum), but they had towel service, pool, one of the sandier and whiter beaches (because they are located in the North end) and sushi! See below on how Casa Malca is a staple in Tulum.

    • Haven’t been: but Papaya Playa, Ziggy’s are more “partier” beach clubs and also suppose to be great.

  • Shopping along the Tulum’s beach strip. So many cute boutique shops that sell great dresses, jewelry, bathing suits, etc. Recommend to route to “Papaya Playa” and from there you’re in the middle of the shops and can easily spend the afternoon shopping along the strip.

  • Exploring at Mayan Ruins. Beautiful ruins for 70 pesos. I went back

  • Spending the afternoon at Casa Malca.

  • Amazing food. List of places to check out for vibes that equal the delicious food

 

lowlights

  • Bring mosquito repellant to avoid bug bites.

  • It’s an expensive city for Mexico. Definitely a resort town.